ISM_Unwrapped

THE REGION'S SWEETES INSIGHTS - SERVED FRESH EVERY MONTH

Whether you’re a seasoned confectionery professional, distributor, retailer, manufacturer, or simply diving deeper into the world of confectionery and snacks, you’re in the right place with Unwrapped, the official monthly scoop from ISM Middle East. Unwrapped is your monthly go-to for what matters most in the confectionery and snacks industry. Each edition delivers curated trends, standout stories and a peek behind the scenes, from global supply chain shifts to flavour obsessions and breakthrough innovations.

You’ll hear directly from the trailblazers moving the industry forward. Expect exclusive interviews with global brands and influential experts, packed with insider commentary, practical insights, and bold perspectives you won’t find anywhere else. The industry is at a fascinating turning point and we’ve pulled together a smorgasbord of content to keep you informed, inspired and ahead of the curve.

POWER BITES

Dr Morgaine Gaye

From micro-meals to memory-linked cravings, Dr Gaye explains how appetite, flavour and emotional connection to food are all being redefined in real time and why the industry must adapt fast.

Watch Exclusive Interview Here

Dr Morgaine Gaye
Food Futurologist
Jihad El Tannir

From personalised snacks to AI-powered innovation, Jihad El Tannir unpacks how shifting consumer preferences, local flavour demand, and the rise of functionality are reshaping the snacking landscape and why brands must act now to stay ahead.

Watch Exclusive Interview Here

Jihad El Tannir
Senior Category Director – Snacks - Middle East & Africa |  Kellanova

EDITOR'S BITE

TREND BITES - LATEST NEWS AND INSIGHTS

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Festive Season Boosts Gluten-Free Confectionery Market
The holiday season is turning into a prime moment for the gluten-free market, which continues to exp …
Texture to Drive Bakery and Snack Trends in 2026
Ahead of 2026, how food feels in the mouth is emerging as a key factor in consumer enjoyment, rivali …
Ferrero Unveils First Global Sustainability Campaign at Nice Airport
Italian confectionery company Ferrero has rolled out its first worldwide campaign highlighting susta …
Raw and Minimally-Processed Chocolate Gains Traction in Premium Market
The global chocolate industry is evolving as consumers increasingly seek transparency, ethical sourc …
Halloween 2025 Expected to Hit a Record $13.1 Billion Despite Inflation and Tariff Woes
As we gear up for a record-breaking Halloween season, America alone is expected to spend a whopping  …
Ahmed bin Saeed opens ISM Middle East 2025 and Private Label Middle East 2025 at DWTC
- Showcasing two of Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa’s fastest growing trade sectors, prominent …
Nestlé Unveils Patented Technique to Maximise Cocoa Fruit Use
Nestlé has achieved a major milestone in its efforts to reduce cocoa waste, developing a patented te …
‘Lipstick Effect’ Fuels Surge in Premium Snacks for Younger Shoppers
What used to be a simple trip down the pantry aisle has become a cultural movement for younger consu …
Gluten-Free Goes Mainstream as Market Heads Toward $13.67 Billion
Once considered a niche dietary need, gluten-free products are now a driving force in food innovatio …
Nestlé Navigates a Challenging First Half as Pressures Mount Across Key Markets
Nestlé SA reported a 10.3% decline in first-half 2025 earnings, citing headwinds in several major ca …
Ferrero’s $3.1B Kellogg Deal Signals Bold Move Beyond Confectionery
Ferrero is making a play far beyond chocolate with a blockbuster $3.1 billion acquisition of WK Kell …
7 Rules for Confectionery Innovation in 2025
From AI-powered ideation to freeze-dried TikTok trends, innovation in sweets is speeding up — but st …
Why Texture Matters More Than You Think in Snack Development
While flavour often takes centre stage in snack innovation, texture is proving to be just as crucial …
New Sweetener Breakthrough: Monk Fruit Molecule Grown in Watermelons
Elo Life Systems has begun field trials for a first-of-its-kind innovation, watermelons engineered t …
Why Minimally Processed Snacks Are the Next Big Thing
Across Europe, snacking is getting a healthy makeover. A new wave of minimally processed snacks, mad …
Functional Confectionery Market Sees Robust Growth
The market for functional confectionery is expanding rapidly, fueled by consumers’ increasing focus …
Confectionery Exporters Hit Hard by New US Tariffs
Confectionery exporters hit hard by new US tariffs  by Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe Chocolate makers and …
Viral Chocolate Craze Drives Global Pistachio Shortage
A luxury pistachio-filled chocolate bar made by Dubai-based chocolatier Fix has gone viral on TikTok …
Cracking the Easter Code: Unwrapping the Sweetest Trends for 2025
Despite a complex global landscape for the chocolate sector, with rising cacao prices and scrutiny o …